A subcommittee attached to the Congress recently examined the FDA in regulating Cannabidiol (CBD) for over-the-counter purchases.
Lawmakers had strongly criticized the agency for its inaction and had called for swift measures to ensure the safety and legitimacy of CBD products.
A Congressional subcommittee recently held a hearing regarding the regulation of CBD
The debate over CBD regulation gained momentum again when a subcommittee of the United States Congress recently held a hearing entitled: "Hemp in the Modern World: Years of Waiting for FDA Action".
Members of this subcommittee accused the FDA of not taking swift action in the process of regulating hemp-derived CBD and urged the agency to take concrete steps to protect consumers.
Concerns about the quality and safety of CBD products have been at the heart of the debates. Lawmakers have revealed that many products contain inconsistent levels of cannabidiol, or even harmful contaminants.
They also highlighted the deficiencies in the labeling and purity of CBD products available on the market.
During this hearing, the chair of this subcommittee was particularly critical of the FDA. She stated that cannabidiol should be removed from the list of controlled substances and regulated as a dietary supplement by the federal government.
According to her, the FDA's inaction poses a risk to public health, as consumers do not always have the opportunity to verify the purity or actual quality of CBD in the products they purchase.
Independent studies have confirmed legislators' concerns. Indeed, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that only 35% of CBD products tested were accurately labeled with regard to their cannabidiol content.
In addition, some products contained THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, which can pose a health risk, particularly for children.
A more recent study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in 2022, revealed that 37% of the CBD products tested had a lower CBD content than indicated on the label, while 25% had a higher content.
All these results raise concerns about the quality and reliability of CBD products available on the market.
Part of the problem stems from the legal status of CBD in the United States. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing at least 0.3% THC, the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act prohibits the over-the-counter sale of any active ingredient found in pharmaceutical drugs.
Since cannabidiol is the active ingredient in Epidiolex, which was approved by the FDA in 2018, its over-the-counter sale is technically illegal.
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Editor-in-Chief specializing in CBD
Julien, born on July 17, 1978, in the Paris region, is a prominent writer and expert in the field of CBD products. Following his studies, Julien developed a passion for natural remedies, including CBD. In 2022, he joined the CBD.fr team as an expert and regular contributor. Thanks to his scientific expertise and clear writing style, Julien helps demystify the complexities of CBD, while highlighting its benefits and potential applications through his articles and conference presentations.
